As the FIFA World Cup group stage enters its final stretch, MENA fans have had plenty to celebrate, agonize over, and debate. From historic victories and giant-killing performances to heartbreaking defeats and qualification races that have gone down to the wire, the region’s representatives have once again proven they belong on football’s biggest stage.
With several teams already booking their place in the knockout rounds and others fighting to keep their dreams alive, here’s a look at how every MENA nation has fared so far in their World Cup campaign.
Egypt
Egypt has enjoyed a strong campaign and is heading into its final group-stage fixture, which will determine its Group G position. The Pharaohs began with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Belgium before earning their first World Cup victory with a 3-1 win over New Zealand. T
he team has shown resilience and attacking intent throughout the tournament, collecting four points from their opening two matches and advancing to the round of 32.
Morocco
Morocco has once again been one of the region’s standout performers. The Atlas Lions opened their campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against Brazil before securing back-to-back victories over Scotland (1-0) and Haiti (4-2). The latter result confirmed their place in the Round of 32 and highlighted the attacking quality that has made Morocco one of the tournament’s most entertaining teams.
With seven points from three matches, they finished second in Group C behind Brazil and advanced comfortably to the knockout stages.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s campaign has been a rollercoaster. The Green Falcons started brightly with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay, raising hopes of another memorable World Cup run.
However, a heavy 4-0 defeat to Spain left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. With one match remaining against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia still has a fighting chance to reach the round of 32, but will need a positive result and favorable outcomes.
Algeria
After suffering a difficult 3-0 defeat to Argentina in their opening match, Algeria quickly bounced back. The Desert Warriors defeated Jordan 2-1 to revive their qualification hopes and put themselves in their group’s third place with three points before heading into their decisive clash with Austria.
Tunisia
Tunisia has endured a challenging tournament in Group F. The Eagles of Carthage were beaten 5-1 by Sweden before suffering another defeat against Japan, who ran out 4-0 winners.
With two losses from two matches, Tunisia has already been eliminated from contention ahead of their final group-stage encounter against the Netherlands. Despite the disappointing results, simply reaching another World Cup remains a source of pride for the nation.
Iraq
Iraq’s return to the World Cup has been a dream 40 years in the making, with the Lions of Mesopotamia drawn into a formidable group alongside France, Norway, and Senegal. Consecutive defeats to Norway (4-1) and France (3-0) left Iraq without a point from their opening two matches and on the brink of elimination.
Following Senegal’s defeat to Norway, both sides entered the final round of fixtures knowing only a victory could keep their slim qualification hopes alive. Iraq will now look to end their campaign on a positive note when they face Senegal in their final group-stage match.
Jordan
Jordan’s maiden expanded World Cup campaign has provided valuable experience despite mixed results. The Chivalrous Ones opened with a 3-1 defeat to Austria before narrowly losing 2-1 to Algeria in a fiercely contested Arab clash.
Although elimination has already been confirmed, Jordan’s presence at the tournament represents a landmark moment for the nation’s footballing journey and offers plenty to build on for the future.
Qatar
Hosts of the previous World Cup, Qatar, have faced difficulties in Group B. A 1-1 draw against Switzerland initially kept their hopes alive, but a crushing 6-0 defeat to Canada and a 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina ended their journey.
Despite showing flashes of quality, Qatar were unable to replicate the success of their recent continental achievements and exited the tournament in the group stage.
Iran
Iran has quietly put together one of the region’s strongest campaigns so far despite political circumstances. Team Melli opened with a thrilling 2-2 draw against New Zealand before holding Belgium to a goalless draw.
Sitting on two points with one game remaining against Egypt, Iran remains firmly in the race for a knockout-stage berth. Their defensive discipline against higher-ranked opposition has been one of the stories of Group G.
Turkey
Turkey’s World Cup campaign has yet to get off the ground, with the Crescent-Stars suffering consecutive defeats in their opening two matches. A 2-0 loss to Australia was followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat against Paraguay, leaving Turkey bottom of Group D without a point and facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds.
Their final group-stage clash against the United States presents one last opportunity to salvage their campaign and potentially keep their qualification hopes alive.
As the group stage draws to a close, the MENA region has once again produced no shortage of memorable World Cup moments. Morocco have already secured their place in the knockout rounds, while Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Algeria remain locked in tense qualification battles.
Elsewhere, teams such as Jordan, Iraq and Tunisia may be facing early exits, but their journeys have still delivered moments of pride and valuable experience on football’s biggest stage. With the Round of 32 fast approaching, the region’s hopes now rest on those still fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
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